I have just started looking into this procedure and have many questions about the procedure, aparatus, and even post care. I can read all the answers on forums, but I am hoping to have some sort of human to be in contact with. Anyone who could help would be sooo appreciated. Thanks so much for even taking the time to read this :smile2:

Hi jmenav87!

I am in the exact same position as you... any information you obtain, please share

I will do the same!

Vickie

Hello - you should definitely not take this lightly. It is a big deal - it's surgery. I felt like it was. It was not an easy journey. It was painful and felt like a long time and I am still working through it but also SO GRATEFUL for this option and it actually happened. I had surgery in Feb 09 and am down 85 lbs. What a relief. It was VERY VERY slow at first. It took 50 lbs to lose before I could get to the gym not to mention while going through the trials and tribulations of life...very stressful but still glad. I try to be careful to not think I'm on the 'up' side of it yet bc I don't want to think I have taken anything for granted. The first three to four months were the hardest bc there was hardly any weight loss. I did not follow the pre op diet (liquids) in fact I ate 'like the russians were coming' which is not the right thing to do. I didn't weigh myself after surgery except when I went to the doctor's office for check ups. I wanted to let the band do it's stuff. I felt lost sometimes bc I just 'let the band work' and there wasn't any structure. Thought about WW and actually have attribute that to my success. But really it's the band. I did have an incident with an overfill and the dreaded ER visit. AWFUL. I have also experienced a lot of heartburn and burp ALL OF THE TIME..even with water. I have found my doctor's advice to be the best even though he's SUCH a nerd and not a people person. He's smart and well trained though - medically. I started with a seminar in Feb 08...follow up appt for which I was told I wasn't eligible...I was around 242 at 5'8". You need to be 100 lbs overweight but I had no other ailments. I persevered and continued following the process with dr's visits, blood work, psych eval, etc...then had to proceed with 6 mo (1x a month) visit with GP to document history. I also used phentermine, dr's recommendation, no weight loss. Grew to 265. Dr submitted required letter by Sep 08...Sep through Dec called regularly for status. NADA. So frustrated and fat. Jan I scheduled another f/u with GP for status and FINALLY day after the Jan GP visit, call from surgeon's office I was approved. I had surgery in Feb and since have lost 85 lbs. I want 20 more for minimum goal and would LOVE to get to 135..we shall see. It hasn't been easy and I still occasionally PB. At first, was like what is going on? I have no restriction, then I would have so much I couldn't eat anything, then occasional eggs, protein shakes, etc... I finally got 50 lbs off and was able to get to the gym. Started spinning classes (the best and only good addiction I have ever had)! I recommend it to everyone that can endure. I have even been able to get up to doing 7 days a week. THE BEST! Like I said still learning - ups and downs...but so glad! I hope it keeps getting better! From my lips to GOD's ears! Take care - good luck - and keep researching. This site has been my savior!

I have just started looking into this procedure and have many questions about the procedure, aparatus, and even post care. I can read all the answers on forums, but I am hoping to have some sort of human to be in contact with. Anyone who could help would be sooo appreciated. Thanks so much for even taking the time to read this :blushing:

Hi: I am 5 1/2 years out and could not have been happier about the decision to have surgery. I have lost 250 lbs. This surgery is not for everyone- there is alot to be considered as you research and make your decisions. I would be more than happy to answer any of your questions or be there to hold your hand through the process. Send me a pM with your email address or send me an email directly at sandi@bandedliving.com

I'll be glad to hold your hand through the process as well- Being 5 1/2 years out I have alot of experience and I "mentor" new patients for my doctor's support group. I have lost 250 lbs. This surgery is not for everyone but it was the ebst decision I have ever made...